Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski today joined Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Assembly Member Margaret Markey, members of Queens Community Board 5 and local bocce players to celebrate Juniper Valley Park's three new bocce courts. As part of the opening ceremony, Commissioner Lewandowski accepted a set of bocce balls donated to the court in memory of Norman Fisher, a bocce player who raised his family near Juniper Valley Park. Parks will use this set to teach children the game of bocce.

"The revitalization of the bocce court complex will greatly enhance the experience of Juniper Valley parkgoers. Bocce enthusiasts can now enjoy more opportunities to play the game they love, while keeping cool in the shade," said Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. "This project complements a 2011 renovation of the park's handball and paddleball courts to provide community members with a more enjoyable, fun-filled park."

"In Queens we value our open space and the opportunities that our borough's parks afford us to deliver amenities like the distinctive games that enable community residents to maintain their longtime traditions," said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. "We thank the Juniper Valley Park bocce players for their advocacy and the Parks Department for its efforts to see this project to fruition."

"The new bocce courts are a great addition to Juniper Valley Park and the entire Middle Village community," said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley. "This is just the latest in an on-going commitment to revitalize recreational facilities at Juniper Valley and parks throughout our Council district. I'm thrilled these courts have opened just in time for summer for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy."

All of the bocce courts are lined with shade structures made from recycled materials and surrounded by newly planted trees. The site also includes a new sitting area, new fencing and additional plantings. This work was funded with $800,000 allocated by the Office of the Queens Borough President and $50,000 allocated by Council Member Elizabeth Crowley.

The new bocce courts follow 2010 and 2011 renovations of Juniper South Playground that created two new wetland-themed playgrounds. Since 2010, more than $3 million has been invested in improving Juniper Valley Park.